Mansfield’s Matt Failor Underway in 6th Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska

Mansfield native and St. Peter’s graduate Matt Failor embarked on his 6th Iditarod trail dog sled race up in Alaska on Monday.  Failor said the hardest part is preparing the food and supplies for him and his dogs for the 1,000 mile race.

Failor told WMAN News that he has 16 young pups this year on the trail, so he isn’t expected to contend for the title.  Failor said that this will help make his team, 17th Dog, much stronger for the next few Iditarod’s.  Failor said there is more snow this year in Alaska and could be in for a much colder trip.  



The first Iditarod took place back in 1973 and the fastest time to complete the race is 8 days, 11 hours, 20 minutes and 16 seconds.